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Peel-away stripping means applying a paste, covering it with laminated paper and peeling paint off with the paper. The best peel away paint stripper lifts many layers in big sheets with less dust.
We compared Dumond’s Peel Away 1 system, two Smart Strip removers that use the same cover paper, a sample test kit and laminated paper refills.
Quick Answer: The Best Peel Away Paint Stripper
- Best Overall: Peel Away 1 Heavy-Duty Paint Removal System (1 Gallon Kit)
- Best Non-Caustic Peel Away Option: Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover, Water-Based Non-Caustic (1 Quart)
- Best for 20 Layers: Smart Strip PRO Paint Remover, Professional Strength (1 Quart)
- Best Starter Kit: Dumond Complete Paint Removal Test Kit (Peel Away 1, Smart Strip Advanced and PRO)
- Best Paper Refill: Dumond Laminated Paper for Paint Removers (3 Sheets)
Peel Away 1 is the best peel away paint stripper for old oil and lead-based layers because it is a complete system with paper and neutralizer. Smart Strip Advanced is the non-caustic choice for latex and acrylic.
Best Peel Away Paint Stripper Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Type | Key Feature | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peel Away 1 Heavy-Duty Paint Removal System (1 Gallon Kit) | Best Overall | Heavy-duty alkaline paint removal system | For old oil, alkyd and lead-based paint; up to 30 layers | Check Price |
| Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover, Water-Based Non-Caustic (1 Quart) | Best Non-Caustic Peel Away Option | Water-based non-caustic paint remover | Strips up to 15 layers, rated for brick and stone | Check Price |
| Smart Strip PRO Paint Remover, Professional Strength (1 Quart) | Best for 20 Layers | Professional-strength paint remover | Up to 20 layers on brick, stone and concrete | Check Price |
| Dumond Complete Paint Removal Test Kit (Peel Away 1, Smart Strip Advanced and PRO) | Best Starter Kit | Sample kit of three removers | Test three removers before buying gallons | Check Price |
| Dumond Laminated Paper for Paint Removers (3 Sheets) | Best Paper Refill | Cover sheets for paint removers | Keeps remover wet and traps paint debris | Check Price |
The 5 Best Peel Away Paint Stripper
Our picks for the best peel away paint stripper, ranked by peel performance, paint type, safety and kit contents.
Peel Away 1 Heavy-Duty Paint Removal System (1 Gallon Kit)
1Peel Away 1 is a heavy-duty paste system aimed at old oil, alkyd and lead-based paint, sold with laminated paper, neutralizer and a pH test kit.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Complete system with paper and neutralizer
- Built for old, thick oil paint
- Paper traps debris and dust
Cons
- Caustic; needs neutralizing and pH testing
- Designed for professionals; strict PPE needed
📄 Detailed Review
- Type: Heavy-duty, alkaline
- Layers: Up to 30 (per maker)
- Best on: Old oil, alkyd and lead-based coatings
- Includes: Remover, laminated paper, neutralizer, pH test kit
- Size: 1 gallon kit
Follow the neutralizing and pH-testing steps exactly.
For pre-1978 homes, follow lead-safe work practices.
Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover, Water-Based Non-Caustic (1 Quart)
2Smart Strip Advanced is a water-based, non-caustic remover from Dumond that the maker rates for up to 15 layers on brick, stone and other masonry.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Non-caustic, no neutralizing step on most surfaces
- Listed for brick and stone
- Works indoors and outdoors
Cons
- Slow; needs long dwell time
- Must stay wet; covering paper recommended
📄 Detailed Review
- Type: Water-based, non-caustic
- Layers: Up to 15 (per maker)
- Surfaces: Brick, stone, wood, concrete, plaster, metal
- Removes: Acrylic, latex, oil and water-based coatings
- Size: 1 quart
Do a small test patch first; dwell times vary by coating.
Cover with laminated paper so it stays wet longer.
Smart Strip PRO Paint Remover, Professional Strength (1 Quart)
3Smart Strip PRO is Dumond’s stronger remover for heavy build-up of oil, latex and acrylic paint on masonry, with dwell times of up to 24 hours.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Removes heavy layer build-up
- Used on historic restoration projects
- Long working time
Cons
- Stronger formula; wear gloves and eye protection
- Slow dwell; plan a multi-day job
📄 Detailed Review
- Type: Professional strength
- Layers: Up to 20 (per maker)
- Best on: Post-1980s oil, latex and acrylic paints
- Dwell: Up to 24 hours
- Surfaces: Brick, stone, concrete, plaster, wood, metal
Test first and check the label for neutralizing guidance.
Remove with a plastic scraper and nylon brush, not a wire brush.
Dumond Complete Paint Removal Test Kit (Peel Away 1, Smart Strip Advanced and PRO)
4The Dumond test kit includes small samples of three removers so you can patch-test unknown paint layers before buying larger sizes.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Find the right remover first
- Saves money on large jobs
- Ideal for unknown paint layers
Cons
- Samples only
- Adds a day or two of testing
📄 Detailed Review
- Includes: 8 oz Peel Away 1, Smart Strip Advanced, Smart Strip PRO
- Also: Laminated paper, neutralizer, scraper
- Use: Patch tests on unknown paint
- Surfaces: Brick, stone, concrete, wood, plaster
- Made by: Dumond
Label each test patch and note dwell times.
Choose the remover that lifts to bare brick cleanly.
Dumond Laminated Paper for Paint Removers (3 Sheets)
5Dumond Laminated Paper covers applied remover so it stays wet longer and traps paint chips and dust underneath.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Removers work faster and better
- Traps debris for cleaner work
- Protects from sun and rain outdoors
Cons
- Extra cost
- Sheets only cover a limited area
📄 Detailed Review
- Use: Covers Dumond removers
- Benefit: Keeps product wet, speeds removal
- Debris: Traps chips and dust
- Pack: 3 sheets
- Use: Indoor and outdoor
Press it into the remover so there are no air pockets.
Peel paper and paint together into a disposal bag.
How We Chose the Best Peel Away Paint Stripper
To choose the best peel away paint stripper, we compared how well each lifts paint with the paper method, the paint types it targets, hazards and what comes in the box.
If your home was built before 1978, test old paint for lead before sanding or scraping, following the EPA guide to reducing lead exposure at home.
Product details in this guide come from manufacturer specifications and patterns in verified owner feedback; we do not claim hands-on testing we have not done. Read more on our How We Test page.
Buying Guide: Best Peel Away Paint Stripper
Use these points to choose the best peel away paint stripper.
How peel away works
Paste softens paint; paper traps it as you peel.
Less dust
Peeling reduces airborne chips and dust.
Lead-safe benefit
Trapping debris helps on lead-painted surfaces.
Paper contact
Press out air pockets so paste stays wet.
Timing
Test a corner before peeling everything.
Neutralize caustics
Peel Away 1 needs neutralizing afterward.
Peel Away Tips
Paste, cover, peel.
- Press out air.
- Test a corner.
- Peel slowly.
- Neutralize if caustic.
Questions about the best peel away paint stripper:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best peel away paint stripper?
Peel Away 1 for old oil and lead paint.
How long do you leave Peel Away on?
Often hours to a day or more; test a corner.
Does Peel Away work on brick?
Yes, the maker lists brick and masonry.
Do I need to neutralize Peel Away 1?
Yes, follow the neutralizer and pH steps.
What is the difference between Peel Away 1 and Smart Strip?
Peel Away 1 is caustic and heavy duty; Smart Strip is non-caustic.
Final Verdict
Our final pick for the best peel away paint stripper is the Peel Away 1 Kit. Choose the Smart Strip Advanced if you want a non-caustic option, or the Smart Strip PRO for 20 layers.
Related Guides
More brick sealer guides:
- Best Faux Brick on Amazon
- Best Paint Stripper for Multiple Paint Layers
- Best Paint Stripper for Oil Based Paint on Brick
- Best Paint Stripper for Latex Paint on Brick
- Best Brick Paint That Will Not Peel
Product details are based on manufacturer specifications at the time of writing. Prices and availability change often, so check Amazon for the latest price.
